{"id":3199,"date":"2022-09-08T10:17:16","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T10:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.mutusystem.com\/en-uk\/?p=3199"},"modified":"2023-08-01T09:55:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T09:55:46","slug":"what-is-postnatal-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mutusystem.com\/en-uk\/mental-health\/what-is-postnatal-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Postnatal Depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Beyond the Baby Blues: How to spot the symptoms of postnatal depression and postnatal<\/em> anxiety disorders and how to seek help.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Postnatal depression and anxiety disorders are common, but serious issues affecting many new parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After giving birth, most new mums will experience a variety of emotions \u2014 from joy to fear, excitement to exhaustion \u2014 and have a variety of responses to those changing feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While most will have bouts of what\u2019s commonly called \u201cthe baby blues<\/strong>,\u201d or feelings of sadness coming and going in waves, some will experience a more intense version of depression. For some, this manifests in common symptoms of depression, for others it may be that anxiety traits are the most pronounced. Often, there is a combination of depressive and anxiety symptoms, which is why this cluster of emotional challenges is sometimes referred to as Postnatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders or PMADs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mothers typically show signs of PND within four to six weeks after giving birth, but symptoms may arise as late as three months in the postnatal period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a more severe type of PND called Postnatal Psychosis<\/strong> which requires hospitalization and advanced medical treatment. There are mixed statistics on how often this disorder occurs in a population and is much more common amongst women who have a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of postnatal psychosis typically arise around two weeks into the postnatal period and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some cases of PND or PMAD can be treated through finding adequate support systems, talk therapy, somatic therapy, environmental or situational changes, or may fade on their own over time. It is important to be able to speak with a trusted and knowledgeable provider about these symptoms sooner rather than later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Co-parents and other primary caregivers can also experience postnatal depression. One study<\/a> suggests that as many as 1 in 10 first time dads will experience postnatal depression. Many of the symptoms and risk factors for postnatal depression in birthing parents may cause a new father to experience postnatal depression as well. The likelihood of partner depression or anxiety increases significantly if the birth parent is experiencing postnatal depression and\/or anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasingly, there are Dads support groups, hotlines, and awareness within the mental health and wider medical community of the prevalence of postnatal depression in men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LGBTQ+<\/a> parents, partners included, may face higher rates of postnatal mood struggles due to widespread stigma, discrimination, legal barriers, strained ties with family, etc. Thankfully, there is growing awareness within and beyond these communities of new parents and corresponding support groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some new parents can even feel embarrassed or ashamed of their anxiety or depression postnatally. However, postnatal mood disorders are very common and often can be managed with good outcomes if addressed. Postnatal depression is not a flaw or weakness or sign of being a “bad parent” in any way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Call your doctor, midwife, GP, or therapist if your PND symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel that you are\/your partner is experiencing signs of postnatal psychosis, contact your doctor immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby, contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Partners, family, friends, doulas, or care providers may detect symptoms of PND, PMADs, or Postnatal Psychosis before the new mum realizes she is experiencing mood changes beyond the baby blues. Family and support persons can often be helpful in getting you to the help you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment for postnatal depression or anxiety will vary depending on the symptoms, patient history with mood disorders, severity of the symptoms, access to support, and mother’s preference for care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some possible treatment options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can text the NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline by sending “SHOUT” to 85258<\/a> for free from all major UK mobile networks. You can also use this page<\/a> to find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Beyond the Baby Blues: How to spot the symptoms of postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety disorders and how to seek help. Postnatal depression and anxiety disorders are common, but serious issues affecting many new parents. After giving birth, most new mums will experience a variety of emotions \u2014 from joy to fear, excitement to exhaustion […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3200,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","category-post-birth-recovery"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThere are many reasons why a new mum could experience postnatal depression (PND):<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some common symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety include:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Postnatal Psychosis Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sad Dads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Queer families and PND<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to get help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment for Postnatal Mood Disorders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mental Health Helplines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n